There are 3 major categories of cut flowers' needs: water, food, environment. As the delicate organic bouquet requires much attention, make sure you are ready for arrangements.
- Sterilize the vase and change the water every day to keep it fresh. Filtrate the water before use. A peace of charcoal on the bottom of the vase will eliminate chlorine as well. Squeeze a fresh lemon, or add 2 tbsp of white vinegar , or 1 tbsp of salt to every quart of water. Washed copper pennies, silver coin or peace of silver jewelry in water will do the same job of killing harmful bacteria and microbes, and keeping the water fresh.
- In order to prolong the life of cut organic flowers in a vase it is important to provide nutrients for them. Plants thrive in an environment where there are few bacteria, plenty of food for energy and water uptake is encouraged. In addition to acidic water, cane sugar can substitute glucose source, which had been lost when the flower was cut away from its root. Carnations, tulips, lilac and roses are well known sugar lovers. Chrysanthemums and dahlias rather would prefer acidic water, and asters would enjoy several drops of 2% glycerin. As a general rule, with a lower pH level of water and plenty of glucose as an energy source the food conducting system within the flower can work at maximum efficiency.
- To provide friendly environment for your organic flowers, cut them in early morning when the glucose level in a plant is still high. Avoid cutting flowers during a rain. Remove all leaves below the water line. Flowers will last longer if you cut the stems at an angle under the water with a sharp scissors and hold the cut area with your finger while move the flowers into the vase. Woody plants will thrive indoors if you crush or split the ends to allow them to absorb the moisture better. Cut the stems every day and remove all wilted flowers from the bouquet regularly. Spray them with a fresh water also. For some flowers, such as tulips and lilies, it is recommended to remove their anthers. Use the natural compatibility to amplify the life of cut organic flowers in bouquet. Some flowers don't like each other company; lily of the valley, sweet pea, daffodil will force all other flowers to wilt, rose and carnation will lose their fragrances if they stay together in the same vase. Of the opposite, twig of geranium, thuya, or woodruff will prolong the life of bouquet. To refresh cut flowers from the florist shop, wrap them in a wet cotton towel and keep in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before the arrangement.
